DC Advocacy Partners application process (Deadline is Friday, September 4) to self-advocates and family members of individuals with intellectual and/or other developmental disabilities who reside in D.C. Wards 5-8. We are offering this training program in an online format this year.

DC Advocacy Partners (DC AP) is a leadership training program designed for self-advocates and family members of individuals with intellectual and/or other developmental disabilities. There is no cost to participate in the program. Through this program, you will gain leadership skills and techniques to help develop positive partnerships with elected officials, program administrators, school personnel, and other community leaders. You will become a policy influencer and will interact with policymakers and implementers regarding services that you and/or your family may use. You will be given opportunities to engage in interactive online learning experiences and gain valuable information about current issues, services, and strategies, as well as legislative processes at local and national levels. As a part of this 6-month program, you will become a member of a DC network of community advocates working together to improve opportunities for Washingtonians with disabilities.

DC AP will be virtual in 2020 for health and safety reasons.

Topics to be addressed include: 

• Disability History and the Disabilities Rights Movement
• DC’s Service System & How it Applies to Individuals & Their Families
• Self-Advocacy vs. Systems Advocacy
• Inclusive Education & Family Engagement
• Healthy Living and Mental Health
• Career Awareness, Planning, & Employment
• Community Organizing
• Navigating the Community: Affordable Accessible Housing and Transportation
• Bonus Event: Intelligent Lives Screening/Alum Gathering
• Bringing it Home: Project Presentations & Graduation

Who can apply: 

• A person with an intellectual and/or other developmental disability.
• A family member of someone with an intellectual and/or other developmental disability. “Family” is defined broadly as adults and children related biologically, emotionally, or legally, including single parents, blended families, unrelated individuals living cooperatively, and partnered couples who live with biological, adopted, and foster children.

All participants must be DC residents residing in Wards 5-8, and participants must be adults (ages 18 or up). THE APPLICATION DEADLINE is Friday, September 4, 2020. 

Feel free to contact Whitney Johnson (johnsonw@iel.org) if you have any questions regarding DCAP or the application process.

Please click on this survey link to complete your application: https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/5761998/2020-DC-Advocacy-Partners-Applica…

For individuals who are blind or visually impaired, please download the DC AP Accessible 2020 Application below:

 DC AP Accessible 2020 Application